Vietnam’s AFF Cup semifinal victory captures international interest
(VOVWORLD) -Vietnam’s 2-1 win over the Philippines in the first leg of the ASEAN Federation Football (AFF) Suzuki Cup 2018 semifinals on Sunday made headlines outside Vietnam.
 Phan Van Duc (20) celebrates his goal in the semifinals match against the Philippines on December 2, 2018. (Photo: VNA) |
An article published on the Asian Football Confederation website said: “Vietnam controlled the pace of the game for much of the half”. Reuters, pointed out that this was Sven-Goran Eriksson’s first defeat as the Philippines’ head coach. Before this match, his team had two wins and two draws in the tournament. FOX Sports Asia said of Vietnam’s first goal: “That came out of nowhere! A wonderful ball is played into the box which Nguyen Anh Duc calmly heads over the goalkeeper, who was off his line. This is Anh Duc's third goal of the tournament.” Xinhua News Agency quoted Sven-Goran Eriksson praising Vietnamese striker Phan Van Duc, who scored Vietnam’s second goal, as a 22-year-old with great potential. Vietnam and the Philippines will meet again in Hanoi on Thursday. The winner will take on either Thailand or Malaysia in the final.